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Asheville, N.C. -- Campbell University President Jerry M. Wallace was awarded the Meritorious Service Award on July 18 at the North Carolina Hospital Association’s annual Summer Meeting.

The Meritorious Service Award is presented to an individual who is not a CEO or trustee of an NCHA member institution and recognizes outstanding service to the health care field. Wallace was honored for his vision in creating the School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University to address the critical need for physicians and health care services in the state’s rural areas.

Video courtesy of the North Carolina Hospital Association

“Dr. Wallace has created a sound future for Campbell University in an era of turbulence for higher education and healthcare,” said NCHA President Billy Pully, 1979 graduate of the Campbell University Norman Wiggins School of Law. “A talented and skilled work force is essential to transforming healthcare. Campbell University has stepped up just at the right time to help us meet those challenges. Dr. Wallace has earned our appreciation. His leadership is making a difference in the lives of all of our citizens.

“North Carolina is blessed to have great public and private universities and colleges,” Pully added. “We should take this moment to acknowledge the essential role of all in providing an educated workforce. We could not do our jobs without their support. In addition to our appreciation, they need us to help remind all of the importance of their role.”

Wallace said: “A school of medicine is a perfect fit for Campbell University in two ways. Training primary care physicians dedicated to caring for the whole person – mind, body and spirit – helps fulfill the Christian mission of Campbell University. And preparing doctors to serve in medically underserved regions of North Carolina will help ease an ever-growing physician shortage in these areas.”

On Aug. 5, Campbell University will open its doors to 162 new students eager to become physicians working to aid underserved regions of North Carolina.

The NCHA promotes improved delivery of quality and affordable healthcare in North Carolina through leadership, advocacy, information and education in its members’ interest and for public benefit.

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